Menu descriptions that make guests want to order
The problem
Many menus are just a list of names. Guests skip the dishes you are proudest of, or the ones that earn you most, because nothing tells them why they are worth trying.
Pain point we researched: r/restaurateur: "Do menus just list food or do they help sell it?"
How it gets solved
"Chocolate cake" becomes "Warm dark chocolate cake with a soft centre and vanilla ice cream". You give the AI your ingredients and how you cook each dish; it suggests short, honest descriptions to choose from.
Free: paste the text into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini and rewrite your 5 key dishes this afternoon.
- Time saved
- about 2 hours of writing saved
Rough estimate; your results will vary.
How to switch it on
- 1
Pick 5 dishes you want to sell more: the ones you are proud of or that earn you most.
- 2
For each one, write the main ingredients, how you cook it and one special detail (local producer, slow cooking, family recipe).
- 3
Paste the text below into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini together with your notes.
- 4
Choose one of the three versions, check it is accurate, and use the same words on your printed menu and online.
- 5
After two weeks, compare how often those dishes are ordered.
Template and prompt
Works with the AI you already use: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or others.
AI text to paste (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or another):
You are helping a small restaurant rewrite menu descriptions so guests want to order.
Style of the place: [e.g. family trattoria, neighbourhood café, seafood bistro]. Menu language: [language].
For each dish below I give: name, main ingredients, how it is cooked, one special detail.
[dish 1: ...]
[dish 2: ...]
For each dish write 3 versions, each under 18 words:
- one simple and warm, one more descriptive, one very short for a chalkboard.
Rules: only use the ingredients and details I gave you, no invented claims (no "homemade", "organic" or "local" unless I said so), avoid empty words like "delicious" or "fresh", mention texture or temperature where it helps.Before and after
Before: Chocolate cake
After: Warm dark chocolate cake with a soft centre and vanilla ice creamAllergens: always take them from your own recipes and records, never from the AI.
Tools you can use
- ChatGPTVisit site (opens in new tab)
AI assistant for writing messages, quotes and posts. Free plan available.
- ClaudeVisit site (opens in new tab)
AI assistant from Anthropic, good at clear, natural writing. Free plan available.
- CanvaVisit site (opens in new tab)
Design signs, posts and flyers from ready layouts.
Tool links are plain links for now. Some may later become affiliate links, which will always be labelled. Check each tool’s current pricing on its site.
Questions
Do I need new software?
No. You use the AI you already have and the tools listed above.